Bad light halts England chase

England were denied the chance to make Ashes history - and complete one of the most fearless chases in living memory - when the umpires took the sides off for bad light with the game minutes away from a thrilling climax.

The home side, looking to turn their 3-0 series win into a dream 4-0 success over the Australians, required 21 in 24 balls when Aleem Dar and Kumar Dharmasena produced the dreaded light meters and signalled the end of proceedings.

In doing so, the officials surely followed procedure to the letter but to deny a full house a natural conclusion to an unforgettable day of Test cricket at the Kia Oval felt like a sport fatally hamstrung by its own laws.

That certainly seemed to be the view of the supporters, who roundly booed the decision - an ill-fitting end to a triumphant series win for Alastair Cook's side.